Podcast
The FxCK YOU 50s
The FxCK YOU 50s is an unfiltered, unapologetic, and fiercely honest podcast hosted by Andrea Claire—a veteran of the fashion and beauty industry with over 30 years of experience.
Designed specifically for women who are "done with aging gracefully," the show dismantles the commercialized myths of midlife and challenges the industries trying to sell "solutions" to invented "problems." Andrea moves the conversation far beyond your mother’s "aging with grace" tea party. Instead, she creates a sanctuary for gritty, real-talk discussions about the actual realities of being 50+, covering everything from medical gaslighting and career reinvention to reclaiming sexual sovereignty and navigating the patriarchy.
Andrea and her guests aren’t just surviving midlife—they are rebuilding it in their own image.
This show is about total personal power. If you’re looking for a polite conversation about knitting, keep scrolling.
If you’re ready to own your authority, pull up a chair. You’re home.
The Solo Rants & Real Talk
When Andrea takes the mic alone, expect zero filter. In these bonus opinion episodes, she tears into cultural hypocrisy, calls out wellness industry grifts, shares hard-won industry truths from three decades behind the scenes, and breaks down the exact mindset shifts needed to stop shrinking and start taking up space. No corporate polish, just raw truth.
The Guest List: Meet the Agitators Who Refuse to Fade Out
From elite communications experts to industry-shaking creatives, the guest roster is a masterclass in living out loud:
Kirsten Birkeland: Communications expert and founder of Prep Your Talk, breaking down how to stop apologizing for taking up space, shatter the habit of keeping the peace at your own expense, and unshrink your voice in midlife.
Jasmine Denham: Touring backup singer powerhouse with Nelly Furtado, pulling back the curtain on what it takes to thrive, hustle, and navigate high-pressure careers in the global music industry past 50.
Mary Regan: Founder of The Regan Method, getting radically honest about the truths, trends, and total BS surrounding plastic surgery and aesthetic choices in your 50s.
Katharin von Gavel: Trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of Footlogix, diving deep into the often-overlooked realities of structural health, physical longevity, and taking care of the foundation that carries you.
New episodes drop bi-weekly with the Andrea’s bonus solos occasionally checker-boarding.
Subscribe, leave a review, and get ready to drop the filter.
- Episodes
- 53
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Typical length
- 57 min
- On air since
- 2025
- Latest episode
- 6 days ago
Episodes
53 episodes, newest first
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12 min
Dismantling Gendered Ageism in Beauty & Media with Andrea Claire Bonus
Season 2
Show notes
In this origin backstory of The FxCK YOU 50s, veteran celebrity hair and makeup artist and host, Andrea Claire pulls back the curtain on the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry and sets the stage for her award-nominated podcast..
Drawing from over 35 years of experience in high-fashion and advertising—including 25 years with a top agency—Andrea exposes how aggressive marketing, heavy retouching, and anti-aging rhetoric sell youth as the only definition of beauty while marginalizing women over 45.
Dismantling the myth that aging demands a total cosmetic or lifestyle overhaul, Andrea reframes midlife as a powerful era of reinvention. Whether facing career shifts, gray divorce, or starting a new venture, she makes a compelling case for why GenX women deserve a prominent platform—especially in a podcasting landscape heavily dominated by male voices.
The FxCK YOU 50s is a bold, unapologetic audio sanctuary where women lean into the "FxCK THAT" era.
Tune in for unfiltered, raw conversations with everyday women and industry experts who are dispelling wellness myths, embracing gray hair, and proving that life is just getting started after 50.
Categories & Topics:
Women’s Lifestyle | Beauty & Fashion | Midlife & Aging | Wellness | Empowerment
About the Host:
Andrea Claire is a celebrity hair and makeup artist, and podcaster with 35+ years of industry experience on and off camera. Passionate about dismantling misogynistic aging narratives, Andrea created The FxCK YOU 50s for women everywhere who are ready to reclaim their agency, step into their power, and live out loud.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
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53 min
Resilience After 50: From Lupus to Theme Park Designer | Thelma Muro
Season 2, Episode 34
Show notes
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Thelma Muro here:
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Thelma Muro—architectural designer, entrepreneur, author, and storyteller. From her roots in the small town of Tepetongo, Mexico, to a trailblazing 30+ year career in international theme park design and real estate development.
Thelma shares the deeply personal story behind her debut book, The House on Mariposa Drive, and breaks down her transformative PUSH / PIVOT / JUMP philosophy—a practical strategy for navigating life’s toughest hurdles, overcoming gender bias in male-dominated industries, and choosing your own destiny.
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12 min
Male Bystander Behaviour: Why Is It Up to Women & Dan Levy? Bonus
Season 2
Show notes
Listener Note & Content Warning
This episode contains candid discussions regarding gender-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and personal trauma. We recognize that these topics can be heavy and deeply triggering. Please prioritize your emotional well-being while listening.
I’ve been sitting on this solo episode for a while now — then I had a conversation with my youngest daughter about it. It was her 18 year old words of wisdom that inspired me to continue with publishing this episode.
Here I paraphrase what she said: It’s your words, your experiences and if it can help others its important and anyone who has a problem with it, well, that’s a them problem.
What makes a car full of grown men stay completely silent while women and kids face public abuse?
In this raw and deeply personal episode, Andrea reflects on two startling public transit encounters in Toronto years apart—from a recent disruptive confrontation on the subway to stepping in alone on a city bus in her twenties. Both moments point back to the same frustrating, recurring theme: male bystander inaction.
We explore the emotional weight women carry when public harassment unfolds, how high-profile news stories continuously reopen shallowly buried trauma, and why systemic progress on gender equality feels like it’s sliding backward. Plus, we ask the hard question: Why does the burden of calling out bad male behavior constantly fall on women—and figures like Dan Levy—while the performative males stay silent?
• Canada-Wide: Call or text 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca to find local crisis centers and shelters in your region.
• United States: Call or text 9-8-8 for mental health distress, or call RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline) at 1-800-656-4673.
• International: Visit findahelpline.com or bebefrienders.org for free, confidential crisis numbers worldwide.If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts, reflections, or experiences with us on Threads and Instagram.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
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50 min
The Lingerie Market Forgot Women Over 50 So They Built Their Own
Season 2, Episode 32
Show notes
If a sneeze causes you to pee your pants—at least make them pretty.
The lingerie industry spent decades quietly deciding that women over 50 didn't want sexy, stylish underwear anymore.
Mother-daughter powerhouse duo Shaula Yemini (tech executive, math PhD, and lover of a pretty panty under a suit) and Noa Arias (former L'Oréal/AmEx marketer) decided to call bullshit on that narrative.
Together, they founded Bloomers Intimates—a brand proving that women who were raised on and desired sexy lingerie didn't vanish; they just got older.
In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to launch a brand with your mother, navigate the brutal realities of the fashion industry, and why leakproof underwear deserves to be just as gorgeous as anything else in your drawer. Plus, we dive into midlife authenticity, building a business on your own terms, and why women over 50 are entirely unstoppable.
No filters, no corporate fluff, and zero patience for the status quo.
Welcome to The FxCK YOU 50s
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Bloomers Intimates here:
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1 hr 2 min
Real Science vs Influencer Snake Oil: Dr. Inna Kanevsky PhD - on ADHD, Pop Psychology, & Midlife Myths
Season 2, Episode 31
Show notes
Avoid getting sucked in with misinformation. Check for receipts, verify research, and refuse to buy into the wellness hype.
Andrea Claire summons prominent psychology professor and online educator Dr. Inna Kanevsky to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Listen to the unpacking of the digital landscape's biggest pitfalls, explore the realities of neurodivergence later in life, and discuss what it truly means to step into midlife with confidence and authority.
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Combat Online Misinformation: Dr. Inna shares expert strategies for spotting red flags on social media, emphasizing why phrases like "numbers without sources are meaningless" and the simple question "Which study?" are essential tools for critical thinking.
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ADHD in Women & Misdiagnosis: Dive into the nuances of neurodivergence, examining why ADHD in women has historically been overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood through a lens of gender stereotypes and neurosexism.
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Owning Your Power: Reject societal pressures on aging women and lean into authenticity, self-advocacy, and science-backed health choices.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Dr Inna here:
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13 min
Why Are All The Menopause Pros Fighting? Bonus
Season 2
Show notes
As if midlife wasn’t messy enough, the online menopause space has officially turned into a digital cage match. In this solo episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the social media turf wars, the green-screen finger-pointing, and the absolute circus of medical gatekeeping.
The Great Debate: Core Facts vs. Cash Flow
• The Medical Consensus: Once you strip away the social media sensationalism, board-certified menopause doctors largely agree on the core medical, physical, and mental needs of midlife.
• Follow the Money: The real divide isn't about science—it's about the 5Ws: who can charge for what, when they can charge, and why.What in the Hot Flash Is Happening to Healthcare?
Drawing on patient experiences across the US, Canada, and Singapore, the system is a mess:
• The Public Waitlist Nightmare: Waiting nine months for a public clinic only to be assigned a doctor who isn't even local.
• The Private Clinic Loophole: Paying for 48-hour access, only to be told your doctor is booked out for weeks and pushed toward a nurse practitioner or a remote doctor based across state/provincial lines.
• The International Benchmark: Singapore’s blended public-private model proves it’s possible to balance care, fund public infrastructure (hello, MRI machines), and keep sanity intact.Let’s Talk About the Side-Eye on Money
• Coaches vs. Credentials: While a quick online certification might raise a judgie-mcjudgerson eyebrow, let’s stop pretending women aren't allowed to build businesses and charge for their labor. If you don't like a service, don't buy it. Simple.
• Mom and Mom Are Fighting: When board-certified MDs go head-to-head on reels trying to discredit each other, it leaves everyday women caught in the crossfire of "balancing hormones isn't a thing" versus "calories in, calories out."The Bottom Line: Sensationalism might draw the clicks, but it's 95% cringe. When you can find a study to back up literally any belief online, how do we actually find the truth through the friction?
What’s your take—have you ever hit a brick wall trying to get straight answers from the medical system during midlife?
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47 min
80s Diet Baggage & Midlife Metabolism Myths with Sue Page, MNU
Season 2, Episode 29
Show notes
In this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, host Andrea Claire sits down with pink-haired midlife baddie Sue Page—an MNU Certified Nutritionist, nutrition coach, with absolute zero tolerance for nutrition BS.
If you’ve been told that your metabolism automatically crashed the second you hit perimenopause, or are drawn into the answers for questions you never considered before on "cortisol-dampening", or maybe buying groceries that say ‘added protein’ – added protein ice cream and tequila - perfect! Well, this episode is for you!
Andrea and Sue tear down the predatory marketing preying on midlife women who grew up marinated in 80s and 90s diet culture.
Sue shares the science revealing what is actually happening with our metabolism, exposing how messaging like "It's not your fault, it's your hormones" sounds validating on the surface, but secretly strips women of their agency. From the "magic bullet economy" to the boring, highly effective fundamentals of strength training, sleep, and blood sugar management, Sue delivers an honest, evidence-based roadmap to help you stop shrinking, unlearn toxic food noise, and realize you have far more power over your midlife health than you've been led to believe.
Exposing Predatory Marketing: How influencers use validating phrases like "you're doing everything right" to convince women their bodies are broken, only to turn around and sell expensive gut panels, detoxes, and quick fixes.
Separating Compassion from Disempowerment: Why believing "it’s all hormones" strips you of your power, and how to reclaim control through actionable, sustainable habits.
The Unsexy Fundamentals: Cutting through social media noise to prioritize muscle retention through strength training, sleep hygiene, and blood sugar balance over 1,000-calorie diets or supplement stacks.
Unlearning 80s/90s Diet Culture: Overcoming chronic dieting baggage and re-framing midlife shifts with self-compassion, clarity, and evidence-based science.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Sue Page here:
Instagram Sue Page / FortyFiftyFabulous
The Global Lifespan Energy Study (Science, August 2021)
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Title: Daily energy expenditure through the human life course
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Lead Author: Herman Pontzer, Ph.D.
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The Finding: Using doubly labeled water (the gold standard for metabolic tracking), researchers analyzed over 6,400 people across 29 countries. They discovered that total energy expenditure remains remarkably stable between ages 20 and 60. Menopause itself does not cause a sudden drop in baseline calorie burning.
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Read the Paper: Science Journal Study (DOI: 10.1126/science.abe5017)
The ZOE PREDICT Study (King’s College London / eBioMedicine)
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Title: Menopause is associated with postprandial metabolism, metabolic health and lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT study
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Lead Authors: Dr. Kate Bermingham, Dr. Sarah Berry, et al.
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The Finding: While resting burn stays steady, estrogen decline causes significant changes in post-meal (postprandial) metabolism. Post-menopausal women experience larger blood sugar spikes, increased insulin resistance, higher systemic inflammation, and shifts toward visceral abdominal fat storage.
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Read the Paper: eBioMedicine / The Lancet Open Access Study
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Summary Breakdown: ZOE Research Overview
Key Takeaways The Metabolic Reality Check: The 2021 Pontzer study proved that baseline calorie burn remains remarkably stable between ages 20 and 60. Menopause doesn't shut down your metabolic engine—it changes how your body processes fuel (postprandial glucose and lipid responses).
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17 min
The "WOACA" Rant: Harmless Acronym or Complete Ageist Trash? Bonus
Season 2
Show notes
Is "WOACA" (Women of a Certain Age) just a convenient shorthand, or is it a polite, sugar-coated way to brush women over 50 under the rug?
In this solo rant, I’m breaking down the term that’s been creeping into conversations, media, and midlife discourse—and why it makes my skin bubble and blister.
This label actually allows for passive gendered ageism sneaking into everyday language. It’s time to call out the subtle ways society tries to sanitize women who are stepping into their power.
Tune in, get angry, and let’s dismantle the labels we never asked for.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment!
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Women of A Certain Age: a feminist guide
USC Anneberg Inclusion Initiative
Katherine "Katherine Heigl On Being Branded As Difficult"
Seth Rogan: Howard Stern SoundCloud channel
Global Media Monitoring Project
Honorable mention:
Watch this short film:
WOACA by Mackenzie Davis starring Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudson.
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48 min
Unshrinking Your Voice in Midlife with Kirsten Birkeland
Season 2, Episode 27
Show notes
In this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, host Andrea Claire sits down with communications expert Kirsten Birkeland to dismantle the cultural and personal barriers that keep women from speaking up. Together, they explore practical strategies to help women navigate gendered communication dynamics, build unshakable self-confidence, and command attention in both personal and professional settings without apologizing for taking up space.
Key Insights
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Unpacking Apologetic Language: Women frequently minimize their impact by starting presentations with apologies or using softening phrases. Transitioning to direct, ownership-focused language (e.g., "I feel strongly about this") immediately projects authority.
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Navigating Boardroom Dynamics: From handling idea theft to asserting presence in male-dominated spaces, the conversation details strategies for overcoming perfectionism, reclaiming credit, and understanding differences in how men and women approach self-promotion and coaching.
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Authenticity as Power: Effective public speaking and everyday communication stem from self-acceptance and self-awareness rather than adopting an artificial persona.
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Actionable Growth: Practical advice covers building vocal volume, landing point-blank starts in conversations, delivering constructive feedback, and even taking the initial steps toward pitching a TED Talk.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Kirsten Birkeland / Prep Your Talk here:
Instagram: @prepyourtalk
web: Prep Your Talk Consulting
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43 min
Midlife Foot Care for Longevity with Katharin von Gavel
Season 2, Episode 26
Show notes
In this episode, guest Katharin von Gavel—founder of Footlogix, joins the show to dive into the essential, often-overlooked connection between foot health, hormonal shifts, and overall longevity. With a Doctorate in Natural Medicine (DNM), a BSc in Podology, and a Diploma in Chiropody, Katharin brings decades of specialized expertise to explain why foot care in midlife is far more than just a cosmetic routine.
The conversation explores the evolution of the pedicure industry over the last 50 years and introduces the concept of "pediceuticals"—specialized formulas designed for high performance and wellness.
Katharin unpacks the structural and physiological changes feet undergo during menopause, highlighting how hormonal drops impact skin moisture, barrier function, and mobility.
Beyond physiological health, the episode tackles gendered ageism in corporate culture, dismantling commercialized midlife beauty standards, and navigating the beauty industry as a founder in midlife. Katharin shares actionable daily habits for foot hygiene, footwear choices, and red flags in skin and foot health that women in midlife should never ignore.
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Pediceuticals vs. Cosmetic Pedicures: Why effective foot care requires science-backed, non-invasive skin treatments rather than traditional aesthetic polishing.
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Hormones & Foot Wellness: How menopausal shifts affect skin barrier function, moisture retention, and physical foot structure.
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Red Flags in Foot Health: Identifying critical warning signs in skin and nail changes that require proactive professional care rather than being dismissed as "normal aging."
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Dismantling Midlife Beauty Standards: Challenging corporate beauty narratives around "anti-aging" and reframing age as a strategic strength in business.
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Daily Footwear & Hygiene Habits: Practical routines to protect immune and foot health, including proper indoor footwear and daily maintenance.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Katharin von Gavel / Footlogix here:
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1 hr 2 min
New Midlife Mantra: "My Place Is Anywhere I Decide To Be." - Ebonnie Rowe
Season 2, Episode 25
Show notes
Ebonnie Rowe, Honey Jam Canada founder and Order of Canada recipient, is all about creating opportunities, claiming space without asking for permission, and surrounding yourself with other women who also lift while they rise.
In this episode, host Andrea Claire sits down with Ebonnie to talk about her 30-year journey from legal assistant to founding Canada’s premier launchpad for young female artists (whose alumni include stars like Nelly Furtado). They explore navigating midlife with confidence, the power of intergenerational energy, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in entertainment. Together, they also pull back the curtain on the fashion and music industries—touching on toxic beauty standards, manipulated reality, and the necessity of holding onto your integrity.
Consider supporting Honey Jam's artist development programming and attend their upcoming live showcase at TD Music Hall.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Ebonnie Rowe / Honey Jam here:
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14 min
The Politeness Trap: Why GenX Women Are Done Being Nice Bonus
Show notes
*Trigger warning: some personal stories may be upsetting to some*
"If you’re standing up for yourself and someone takes that as rude, that is a them problem."
From childhood play to corporate boardrooms, women are conditioned to trade their authentic voices for politeness, safety, and consensus.
In this solo rant, Andrea Claire unpacks "The Politeness Trap"—examining how soft language, de-escalation tactics, and double standards keep women shrinking. Drawing from candid personal stories of street harassment, medical gaslighting, and unsolicited male advice in the media industry, Andrea breaks down:
• The Double Bind: Why directness in men is labeled leadership, while the same behavior in women is called "abrasive."
• The Social Contract: How girls are taught to keep the peace while boys are rewarded for boundary pushing.
• The Corporate Backlash: Why women are coached to soften their approach when asking for raises and promotions.
• Reclaiming Space: Why GenX midlife women are done swallowing discomfort, staying sweet, and keeping quiet.It’s time to stop shrinking so everyone else can stretch out. Rock the boat, use your real voice, and learn why being "rude" might just be the ultimate act of self-preservation.
Connect with the Show:
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Enjoying the episode? Leave a 5-star rating and review where you are listening, and please share this episode with anyone who is done with the bullshit.
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47 min
Writing Your Way Through the Absurdity of Midlife with Ann Garvin
Season 2, Episode 24
Show notes
"He wanted to date younger women."
Ann's true story essay on the WTAF dating app experience is a MUST read.
Bestselling author Ann Garvin joins us to dissect the messy, hilarious, and often daunting reality of midlife. From her own bold pivot from science writing to fiction, to the systemic barriers women face in publishing, Ann shares how she uses humor to navigate life’s "funny, sad, and scary" chapters. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation on reinvention, the importance of community, and why your voice matters more than ever after 50.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Ann Garvin here:
Insta and X: @anngarvin_
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11 min
Hearing Aids in Midlife Bonus
Show notes
*Not Sponsored
In this vulnerable and candid solo episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, Andrea Claire pulls back the curtain on a deeply personal aspect of her health journey: living with hearing loss and tinnitus. Moving beyond the polished exterior of midlife - well - she never shows her life as polished... lol
Andrea opens up about the reality of managing autoimmune-related hearing decline, the unexpected cost of hearing technology, and the daily adjustments that come with navigating a world not designed for those with hearing challenges.
Andrea offers a raw look at the intersection of aging and health, challenging the stigma surrounding hearing aids and encouraging listeners to advocate for their own well-being. Whether you are experiencing similar symptoms or simply looking for a dose of unfiltered truth on the complexities of health in your 50s, this episode is a must-listen.
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55 min
How Workplaces Are Failing Peri and Menopausal Women with Karen Schulman Dupuis
Season 2, Episode 23
Show notes
Midlife Women: Invisability, Ageism, Menopause, and Corporate Gaslighting
What happens when corporate spaces look at 30+ years of unmatched wisdom, killer instincts, and unshakeable experience and say, “Yikes, that looks expensive... can we trade it in for an entry-level budget?”
In this episode, we are diving deep into the bizarre corporate paradox that expects women of a certain age to just... evaporate. Joining the conversation is Karen Schulman Dupuis, an unstoppable business designer, technologist, and researcher whose recent master’s research, Women Disrupted, delivers the hard, undeniable data on what actually happens to women’s careers after 40. Damn - and we’re the FxCK you 50s - we need to power up our sisters 10 years our junior!!
Karen’s qualitative study on women aged 40–64 blows the lid off the conventional corporate and support ecosystems. Her findings are crystal clear and entirely unfiltered: not a single woman in the study was better off financially after a career disruption, and 100% of those who turned to self-employment refused to call themselves "entrepreneurs."
We are stripping away the fluffy "awareness" campaigns and exposing how systemic barriers like ageism and gender bias derail women's financial security, housing stability, and mental health—all hitting at the exact same moment as perimenopause and menopause. But we aren't just acknowledging the problem. We explore how to use the adaptive cycle as a model to recognize disruption as a repeatable pattern, allowing us to build resilience, navigate the chaos, and prepare for what's next.
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The "Invisible" Shift: Channeling icons like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey to call out the exact moment society and the 9-to-5 grind try to ghost us.
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The 1% Absurdity: Why Don in accounting gets an ergonomic standing desk because his back hurts from golf, while less than 1% of organizations actually accommodate menopause.
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The Entrepreneurship Myth: Why forcing disrupted women into self-employment isn't an "empowering lifestyle choice" but an act of survival—and why standard "entrepreneurship programs" are failing by not being short, focused, and designed to validate immediate needs.
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The Power of Systemic Change: How building fierce community support can help women actively challenge the workplace systems that are gaslighting them.
The bottom line? We aren't going anywhere, and we sure as hell aren't turning down the volume. It’s time for workplaces to start paying attention to the women who actually keep the wheels turning.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Karen Schulman Dupuis here:
WomenDisrupted official website
Karen Schulman Dupuis (MA in Leadership, Royal Roads University) is a Hamilton-based business designer, technologist, and researcher. With over two decades of experience navigating the public sector, regulated industries, and innovation ecosystems, she is the force behind Women Disrupted, bringing original qualitative data to the forefront of the fight for midlife economic equity. Learn more at WomenDisrupted.ca.
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Disruption is a Pattern: Career disruption is a repeatable cycle. Once women over 40 recognize the pattern, they can actively prepare for and navigate the recovery.
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Accidental Entrepreneurs: Most midlife women turn to self-employment out of sheer necessity, not desire, completely redefining what it means to "start a business."
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The System is the Problem: Ageism and gender bias are not individual performance issues; they are systemic barriers directly targeting women's economic equity.
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Community is the Weapon: Navigating and breaking down these systemic barriers requires shifting away from solo isolation and moving toward collective community power.
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59 min
Rebuilding Life After a Stroke with Emmy Winner Melissa Street
Season 2, Episode 23
Show notes
From diva egos to FBI training videos, the entertainment industry is a recipe for stress—but Melissa Street navigated it with 8 Emmy Awards and absolute grace.
This week on The FxCK YOU 50s, we are joined by retired Film and Television Makeup Artist Melissa Street. With over 35 years of experience, Melissa shares the highs and lows of her incredible career—including the intense stress of the job, the unique world of special FX, and the emotional toll of losing an A-list client who became a close friend.
As a stroke survivor, Melissa also opens up about her personal health journey, touching on menopause, high blood pressure, and the crucial importance of self-care for women over 50. Plus, she breaks down how the industry has changed, tackles ageism head-on, and explains why we need to throw out the TikTok trend rulebook.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Melissa Street here:
TikTok - Mel Street/EpicMakeUp
Other mentions:
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59 min
The Truth About Plastic Surgery in Your 50s with Mary Regan
Season 2, Episode 22
Show notes
Inside The Regan Method: Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon in Midlife:
In a world saturated with filtered selfies, homogenized beauty standards, and predatory marketing that specifically targets women in midlife, finding the truth about cosmetic procedures feels nearly impossible. Enter Mary Regan, founder of The Regan Method, an educational framework designed to dismantle misconceptions, expose red flags, and put the power back into the hands of patients.
In this episode, Mary strips away the glossy marketing of the aesthetic industry to deliver a masterclass on patient advocacy, the psychology behind our choices, and the unspoken physical and emotional realities of surgery. From the precise timing of facelifts to the profound impact of hormonal changes on healing, Mary shares why real beauty cannot be found in a trend—and why a successful surgical journey begins with radical self-reflection and a fiercely vetted surgeon.
⚡ Sound Bites That Cut Through the Noise
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"I won't recommend a doctor by zip code or budget."
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"Predatory marketing targets women in midlife."
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"You can't fix that with a thread or a needle."
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The Emotional & Hormonal Reality: Surgery doesn't stop when you leave the operating room. The episode dives deep into the post-care recovery phase, including the complex emotional drops and hormonal shifts that impact healing.
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Ditch the "Homogenized" Face: A candid look at how social media algorithms have created a copy-paste standard of beauty, and how women can reclaim and protect their unique features as they age.
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Skin Integrity vs. The Quick Fix: Why long-term maintenance, foundational skin health, and realistic expectations always outperform the false promises of over-promoted, non-surgical "quick fixes."
• The Vetting Revolution: Why you must look past social media hype to spot the structural red flags of predatory medical practices. Mary breaks down how to establish true accountability and communication with a surgeon.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Mary Regan here:
The Regan Method by Mary Regan
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37 min
Katrina Anne Willis: Coming Out In Midlife
Season 2, Episode 21
Show notes
Andrea Claire sits down with award-winning author Katrina Anne Willis for an unapologetic conversation about burning down societal expectations and coming out LGBTQ+ after 50.
Katrina, author of the 2026 memoir Hurricane Lessons, opens up about the massive tectonic shifts of navigating identity, family dynamics, and the heavy emotional labor women carry into their fifties. From the nuances of midlife LGBTQ+ self-discovery to confronting workplace ageism, menopause, and the sudden feeling of societal invisibility, this episode is one to stream now!.
It’s a beautiful, unfiltered masterclass in why it is never too late to make a change, claim your respect, and choose authenticity over conformity. Because life is too damn short to live anyone else’s version of it.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Katrina Anne Willis here:
Buy Hurricane Lessons on Amazon
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57 min
Jasmine Denham: Touring with Nelly Furtado, Navigating Midlife in the Music Industry
Season 2, Episode 20
Show notes
I sit down with Jasmine Denham, a phenomenal musician whose career is a masterclass in evolution. With a resume that spans decades and continents, Jasmine has navigated every facet of the music industry—from performing on world stages with Sisterella - an MJJ / Michael Jackson production and as a touring backup vocalist for Nelly Furtado to shared "sparkling moments" with icons like Prince and Pharrell.
Beyond the spotlight, Jasmine is a seasoned songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. She has penned hits for Juno-nominated artists, earned a SOCAN No. 1, and served as a musical director for The Next Star. Today, she balances her work as a music curator, a juror for the Polaris Music Prize with her role as the founder of The Stop, her own studio and music school where she mentors the next generation of talent.
In this conversation, we explore:
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The Power of the Pivot: Moving from international backup vocalist to an influential industry artist and entrepreneur.
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Industry Realities: The truth of being a woman of colour in a male-dominated field and why kindness is the ultimate career currency.
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Health & Resurgence: Navigating the creative and physical challenges of chronic migraines and perimenopause while reclaiming her voice.
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Legacy and Education: How her school is empowering artists to own their craft, just as she has.
Your voice only gets stronger with time.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
IG @TheFxCKYOU50s
YouTube
Connect with Jasmine Denham here:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jasminedenham
The Stop Jasmine Denham's Music School
The Stopon Instagram
Discogs as Jasmine nee Baird
Other notables:
Advance Music Canada’s Black Music Collective
Lush demo for Kylie Minogue
Together We Are One making of the Pan-Am games theme song
Together We Are One in French
Together We Are One sung by Serena Ryder
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53 min
Tamara Gerdis: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist on Kegels, Pelvic Health and Osteopenia
Season 2, Episode 19
Show notes
In her second appearance on the podcast, Tamara Gerdis, co-founder of Physio Down Under, returns to provide a masterclass in pelvic floor health for women over 50 navigating midlife and beyond. With over 20 years of expertise, Tamara strips away the stigma surrounding "taboo" topics, offering a blend of clinical evidence and empowering practical advice.
The conversation dives deep into how the hormonal shifts of menopause—specifically the decline of estrogen—impact everything from bladder urgency to sexual comfort. Tamara emphasizes that while symptoms like leakage or "the invisible itch" are common, they are not an inevitable part of aging.
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The Estrogen Connection: Understanding how menopause affects the elasticity and health of pelvic tissues, and the role of localized treatments.
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Functional Rehabilitation: Moving beyond simple Kegels to focus on core activation, pressure management, and progressive strength training.
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Bladder & Bowel Mastery: Strategies for managing urgency, especially during travel, and normalizing these conversations
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Bone Health & Longevity: Addressing the link between pelvic health, osteopenia, and the importance of weight-bearing movement.
Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here:
Connect with Tamara Gerdis here:
Physio Down Under official site
https://www.reiss.com/ca/en/shop/feat-sale-gender-women-0
https://normakamali.com/collections/best-sellers-update?perpage=100&zCountry=CA
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